Alabama coach Nick Saban agrees to new contract

Dec. 14, 2013
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Alabama coach Nick Saban runs onto the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium with his team on Nov. 30. Saban has agreed to a contract extension with Alabama, according to a report. / John Reed, USA TODAY Sports

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

Alabama coach Nick Saban has agreed to a contract extension, the university announced Friday night, one that Saban said could see him through the end of his coaching career.

"We are very pleased to have this agreement completed," Saban said in a statement. "(Wife) Terry and our family are very happy in Tuscaloosa. It has become home to us. This agreement allows us to continue to build on the tremendous success that we have enjoyed to this point ‚?? successes that have transcended the football field. We are excited about the future and the University of Alabama is where I plan to end my coaching career."

The deal was first reported by ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit and Tidesports.com.

In 2012 Saban earned $5.395 million from Alabama, and more than $5.5 million total, making him the country's highest-paid college football coach, according to USA TODAY Sports' salary database. TideSports.com reported the new deal is expected to pay between 7 and 7.5 million per year. It is subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Alabama Board of Trustees, the school said.

On Thursday, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron said he was sure his coach would stay in Tuscaloosa. "He told me he's not leaving," McCarron said. "And I know Miss Terry [Saban's wife] well enough; she runs that house. And she's not allowing Coach to leave either. I think he'll be at the University of Alabama for a little while."

Saban, 62, has led Alabama to three national championships and five Bowl Championship Series berths in seven seasons. The Crimson Tide is 74-14 with Saban as its coach.

"We are committed to continuing the work that we have been doing in the community as well as at the University," Saban said. "We are also excited about the opportunity awaiting us on Jan. 2 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the University of Oklahoma and hope to send this year's tremendous senior class out in the proper way."

For months, Saban has been speculated as a likely target of Texas should the Longhorns part ways with 16-year head coach Mack Brown. Friday's agreement appears to put an end to that scenario.

"Coach Saban is the best in the business and has led our program to the pinnacle of college football," said Bill Battle, Alabama's director of athletics. "This agreement is a strong indication of our mutual commitment to building on the foundation he has established."